OT: Remarks By U.S. Department of Homeland Security

[Guest guest]

Have a safe and happy holiday season everyone!

 

Merry Christmas and/or Happy Whatever Festive Holiday you might be

celebrating and enjoying!

 

*Smile*

Chris (list mom)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

> Message #27

> December 23, 2003

> Remarks by U.S. Department of Homeland Security

> Secretary Tom Ridge:

 

> The United States Government raised the national threat level from

> an Elevated to High risk of terrorist attack - or from Code Yelloe

> to Code Orange.

>

> We know from experience that the increased security that is

> implemented when we raise the threat level, along with increased

> vigilance, can help disrupt or deter terrorist attacks.

>

> The U.S. Intelligence Community has received a substantial increase in

 

> the volume of threat related intelligence reports. These credible

> sources suggest the possibility of attacks against the homeland around

 

> the holiday season and beyond.

>

> The strategic indicators, including al-Qaida's continued desire to

> carry out attacks against our homeland, are perhaps greater now than

> at any point since September 11th.

>

> Information indicates that extremists abroad are anticipating

> near-term attacks that they believe will rival - or exceed -

> the scope and impact of those we experienced in New York, at the

> Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania more than two years ago.

>

> Recent reporting reiterates that al-Qaida continues to consider using

> aircraft as a weapon. And they are evaluating procedures both here and

 

> abroad to find gaps in our security posture that can be exploited.

> Our actions are directed against their efforts.

>

> We have not raised the threat level in this country for six months -

> but we have raised it before. Homeland security professionals at all

> levels of government and in the private sector are hard at work to

> increase security in your community, state and across the nation.

> Americans should know that with this announcement comes action.

>

> A specific plan is going into place as we speak. Most importantly, we

> are sharing appropriately specific information with those who need it

> and can act upon it.

>

> Already, I have spoken to the nation's Governors, Homeland Security

> Advisors, Mayors, and other local officials and asked them to review

> the security measures they currently have in place, and to increase

> protections to thwart terrorist attacks. And, they are doing so.

>

> In addition, we have made calls to officials from states and major

> cities throughout the past week reminding them to be on heightened

> alert, and now I have called on them to increase their levels of

> security.

>

> Leaders in the private sector that control resources critical to our

> country have also been contacted today, and provided with specific

> measures for them to take to protect those resources.

>

> Where appropriate, we have also shared specific information with

> foreign countries to enlist their help in combating these terrorist

> threats.

>

> All Federal departments and agencies are implementing action plans

> in response to the increase in the threat level. We have enhanced

> security at our nation's airports and around other transportation

> systems and infrastructure.

>

> We will re-deploy agents and other resources at our borders to meet

> the current threat. And, there will be more Coast Guard air and sea

> patrols off our shores, in our ports, and escorting ships.

>

> Obviously, I will not outline all of the actions that are being taken

> to protect our citizens. We will not broadcast our plans to the

> terrorists. But, extensive new protections have been or soon will be

> put in place all across the country.

>

> I can assure you that your government will stand at the ready,

> twenty-four hours a day, to stop terrorism during this holiday season,

 

> and beyond.

>

> In addition to knowing that homeland security professionals at all

> levels are working to keep our communities safe, we ask indivudual

> Americans to do a few additional things during this time of heightened

 

> alert. I have said it before - and I am saying it again - homeland

> security begins at home. Never has that been more true. Your awareness

 

> and vigilance can help tremendously, so please use your common sense

> and report suspicious packages, vehicles, or activities to local law

> enforcement.

>

> Go over your family emergency plans, and if you haven't developed one

> already, do it now.

>

> These kind of precautions are just good sense. And, I can tell you

> from personal experience that those of us who were affected during

> hurricane season were glad we had done some advance planning to

> prepare.

>

> For those traveling during this holiday season, let me thank you in

> advance for putting up with some inconveniences. As we learned at

> Thanksgiving, the additional security measures require some additional

 

> patience. But we did a good job keeping things safe - and not too slow

 

> - at our airports and we believe that with your cooperation the same

> will be true in the coming days and weeks.

>

> Finally - no matter your faith or culture - now is the time of year

> for important celebrations. So, I encourage you to continue with your

 

> holiday plans. Gather with your family and friends and enjoy the

> spirit of this season.

>

> There is no doubt that we have a lot to be thankful for - not the

> least of which the opportunity to live in the greatest country in

> the world. It is a country that will not be bent by terror. It is

> a country that will not be broken by fear. But instead, we are a

> country blessed with a population marked by good will and great

> resolve.

>

> We will show the terrorists both this holiday season - goodwill toward

 

> our fellow men, readiness and resolve to protect our families and our

> freedom.